"Stones are a fascinating material. I hope my work will show that."Stone Artist, Hirotoshi Ito.In the castle city of Matsumoto, Nagano, surrounded by beautiful nature, the dignified presence of the Matsumoto Castle,or the "Crow Castle," adds a refreshing tension to its clean...

"Ships sailing out. People in prayer. Her art lies in between the two worlds."Ceramic artist, Emi Shirakura, and her craft.Emi Shirakura resides in Akiya Beach, Yokosuka, Japan. Mt. Fuji watches over the small beach city from across the ocean,her gracious presence a part of the people's lives...

"Narrowing down your options gets you closer to perfection."Chair-maker, Tetsuo Sashida, and his crafte.Behind the grove of trees, a clear sky spreads over the lofty crests of Mt. Yarigatake,still covered with lingering snow. Down here, the cherry blossom buds are swelling..

I should never lose the thrill and excitement I feel when I create. If I ever lose it, it will show in the shape of my work right away.From afar, the mountains of the Northern Alps watch over the small, peaceful village, only a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Shinshu Matsumoto....

In a city between the ocean and mountains, she creates a world of vivid colors on her sewing machine. Ayaka Nakagawa lives in Hayama, a small town by the mountains and sea. In Nakagawa’s bedroom studio,a little white sewing machine sits neatly in the corner while...